There is a big misconception people have over pests and the need for pest control…
Do you hear noises in your ceiling at night? Ever seen rodent droppings?
Noticed dark black rodent smear marks from the oil that rubs off their fur on the entry points into buildings and roofs?
Experiencing stock losses from them gnawing to get to your food stuffs?
Damage to electrical cabling, alarm wiring, your vehicles wiring?
Ever noticed rodent runways in thick vegetation or long grass in or near your property?
If you have noticed any of these points or answered yes, you probably have a local colony living near or in your property.
A few simple deterrents is to ensure all entry points are sealed with mortar or steel wool, thick vegetation is cleared and thinned out, compost heaps are removed, trees over hanging your roof are cut back, and basically your lawn and garden area is cut back and maintained to allow any possible breeding or feeding source for rats or mice.
Rodents in South Africa
There are three main rodents that are a nuisance factor to humans, as well as a major contributing factor to farmers and retailers who experience vast stock losses due to their behaviour, breeding and life cycle. They further pose health risks and can have the ability to carry various ailments, bacteria and viruses, which can be transmitted via their saliva, urine, droppings or via fleas that may be harbouring in their fur.
Life Cycles
| NORWAY RAT | ROOF RAT | HOUSE MOUSE | |
| Time until sexual maturity | 2-3 months | 2-3 months | 1- 1,5 months |
| Adult life span | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Gestation period | Average 23 days | Average 22 days | Average 19 days |
| Number of young | Average 8-12/ litter | Average 6-8/ litter | Average 5-6/ litter |
| Number of litters | Average 4-7/ year | Average 4-6/ year | Average 6-10/ year |
Habits and capabilities
| NORWAY RAT | ROOF RAT | |
| Activity | Suspicious of new foods, bait trays, traps and environmental changes for several days | Suspicious of new foods, bait trays, traps and environmental changes for several days |
| Territories | Social animals living in colonies. Nest and feed together. Will travel 40-50 meters to food or water. | Social animals living in colonies. Nest and feed together. Will travel 40-50 meters to food or water |
| Nesting | Burrows in soil under slabs usually less than 50 cm deep | Usually above ground in dense vegetation, trees or buildings. Rarely burrows |
| Drinking | Water needed daily unless food is very moist. 20-30 ml per day | Water needed daily unless food is very moist. 20-30 ml per day |
| Feeding | Will eat a wide range of food but only after several days sampling new food. Will then feed confidently on it. Prefer sheltered feeding | Will eat a wide range of food but only after several days sampling new food. Will then feed confidently on it. Prefer sheltered feeding |
| Physical capabilities | 1) Squeeze through 12 mm holes.2) Climb inside a 40-100 mm pipe.3) Crawl along pipe, conduit or wire.4) Jump horizontally 2.5 m, vertically 1 m.5) Drop vertically 15 m without injury.
6) Burrow 70- 100 mm diameter. 3 m into soil 7) Swim 1 km in open water. 8) Dive through sewer traps. 9) Gnaw aluminum or lead sheet, plaster, and wood. 10) Running up to 9.5 km/h |
1) Squeeze through 12 mm holes.2) Climb inside a 40-100 mm pipe.3) Crawl along pipe, conduit or wire.4) Jump horizontally 2.5 m, vertically 1 m.5) Drop vertically 15 m without injury.
6) Burrow 70- 100 mm diameter. 3 m into soil 7) Swim 1 km in open water. 8) Dive through sewer traps. 9) Gnaw aluminum or lead sheet, plaster, and wood. 10) Running up to 9.5 km/h |
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